In this study, the texture, nucleotide-related compounds, and sensory characteristics of dry-aged beef, made from third quality grade Hanwoo beef (Korean native cattle), were investigated according to aging periods. Loin cuts obtained from three different Hanwoos were dry-aged under the specific conditions (controlled temperatures, humidity, and air flow) during 0-7 weeks. With increasing aging periods, textures were significantly decreased after 5 weeks (hardness: from 13,264±2,033 to 7,112±1,743 g; chewiness: from 4,107±1,467 to 2,334±780) and four sensory characteristics were significantly increased after 3 weeks (texture: from 2.2±1.0 to 6.2±1.1; flavor: from 3.9±0.7 to 6.2±1.5; whole preference: from 2.5±0.8 to 6.3±1.3; purchase intention: from 3.7±1.4 to 6.0±1.5) except for color (p<0.05). On the other hand, the concentrations of IMP which is related to the umami flavor of beef were significantly decreased with increasing aging periods (from 40.44±5.97 at 0-week to 7.44±2.43 μg/ mg at 7-week) (p<0.05). These results obtained in this study could provide an useful data base for the quality control of dry-aging.

This study was conducted to develop for the elderly food that is safe, well-shaped, and easy to chew and swallow, using gelification. Gelatin, which has low adhesiveness, thereby lowering the possibility of being swallowed wrongly into the respiratory track, was used as a viscosity agent for the gelification. Water and gelatin amounts were adjusted to facilitate breaking the food with the tongue. Various foods for the elderly with chewing and swallowing difficulties were used for sensory assessment. Sensory panel consisted of 10 dietitians (10 women) in nursing care facilities. The sensory optimal composite recipes were determined by central composite design (CCD). The sensory measurements were significantly different in appearance (p<0.05), saltiness (p<0.05), sweetness (p<0.01), and overall quality (p<0.05). The optimum formulation of the Korean barbecue beef calculated by numerical and graphical method was 3.71 g of sugar and 19.53 g of soy sauce. Moisture content, hardness and adhesiveness of the Korean barbecue beef were 78.85%, 2.40, -1.87, respectively. The result shows that food for the elderly, which is easy to chew and swallow, using gelification will have sufficient competitiveness in terms of safety, taste, and preference. The development of food for the elderly that take into account the difficulties in chewing and swallowing among the elderly, reflects their preference, and has sufficient nutrients, is important to enable the elderly to enjoy their meals. Also, as the Korean society is getting older, it remains one of the biggest social challenges.